X-ray Eyes in the SkyScientists are working on satellites that will see far below the planet’s surface, to better understand the structure and composition of Earth’s crust, mantle and core. Carolyn Gramling

Riding the Wilson CyclePrint ExclusiveThe theory of plate tectonics continues to evolve. Now, new research is answering some of the most exciting lingering questions about the evolution of continents, and the operation of plate tectonics itself.Paul Silver

Boldly Going Deeper Into Earth
Print ExclusiveAs we look closer and in ever greater detail at the crust and mantle, we are discovering that the interior layers of Earth are far more interesting and enigmatic than those depicted in classical models. Robert van der Hilst

GEOMEDIASizing up Earthquake Damage: Differing Points of ViewWhen earthquakes strike, researchers, emergency responders and the media all hit the scene. Their reports of the very same event may differ greatly, however. Researchers need to be aware of the so-called media bias when examining historical earthquakes.
Susan Hough with Anne Bolen

TRENDS & INNOVATIONSIce Voted off Warming Island Print Exclusive As the climate changes, new real estate is revealed, such as Warming Island off the coast of Greenland. Explorers and entrepreneurs are taking advantage of the situation and offering tours to the new locales.Kathryn Hansen

EDUCATION & OUTREACHOn the Cutting Edge of Teaching About Early EarthGeoscience faculty come together to learn the latest research in complex
topics such as the formation of Earth — and to learn from each other how
to best teach the topic to undergraduate students.Cathryn A. Manduca

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A POLITICAL COMMENT ON... The Life of a BillHow bills become law is a complex process to say the least: Here’s a primer to make sense of it all.Allyson K. Anderson

GEOLOGIC COLUMNThe Magic in DirtGeologists know there is magic in dirt, but so too, do locals in places such as Chimayó, N.M., where the soil takes on a spiritual, healing mystique.Lisa A. Rossbacher and Dallas D. Rhodes